Distribution Junction Box with Elastic Securing Strips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Distribution junction boxes in concrete floors experience detachment due to thermal expansion and contraction of synthetic materials, leading to potential safety hazards and damage, especially with heavy lighting fixtures.

Innovation Solution

A distribution junction box with elongated securing strips on its circumferential wall, designed for elastic bending and varying height, providing enhanced engagement and resistance when inserted into a hole, and featuring alternating angles to ensure secure placement and prevent rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the box is made of synthetic material to enable easy manufacturing and installation, then ease of manufacture and installation are improved, but thermal expansion and contraction occur causing detachment from the hole

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the securing strips elastically deformable. The strips can bend and flex to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the synthetic box material, maintaining continuous contact and engagement with the hole walls. This dynamic adaptation prevents detachment while preserving the ease of manufacture benefits of synthetic materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the physical state and mechanical properties of the securing strips. The strips are designed with varying height along their length and can change their deformation state in response to thermal parameters. This allows the engagement mechanism to adapt to thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining reliability while using synthetic materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the box material is rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but the box cannot adapt to thermal expansion and contraction

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestrengthVSAvoidadaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the engagement mechanism into separate, flexible securing strips that are distinct from the main rigid box structure. This allows the strips to independently deform and adapt to thermal changes while the main box body maintains its structural strength and rigidity for supporting heavy fixtures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing strips are designed as dynamic, elastically deformable elements that can adapt their configuration in response to thermal expansion and contraction. This dynamic behavior provides adaptability without compromising the overall structural strength of the rigid box.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the securing strip is straight and simple to facilitate insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but engagement length and surface area are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidengagement surface
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by giving the securing strips a three-dimensional profile with varying height along their length. Instead of simple flat strips, they have a graduated height that increases engagement surface area and creates mechanical interlocking with the hole, while still maintaining ease of insertion through their flexible nature.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic deformability of the strips allows them to dynamically adjust during insertion and engagement. They can bend to facilitate insertion, then spring back to provide maximum engagement surface area and secure holding force, combining ease of operation with extensive engagement area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the box is designed with complex engagement features to prevent detachment, then reliability is improved, but insertion becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The elastically deformable securing strips provide a dynamic engagement mechanism that is both reliable and easy to install. The strips can flex during insertion to overcome resistance, then spring back to provide strong, reliable engagement that prevents detachment from thermal expansion and contraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The varying height parameter of the securing strips creates an optimized engagement profile that facilitates insertion while ensuring reliable retention. The gradual change in strip height allows smooth insertion while the final configuration provides maximum engagement and prevention of detachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The design ensures reliable and easy placement of the box in the hole, increasing resistance against forces and facilitating insertion, thereby preventing detachment and ensuring safety and stability.

Implementation Method 1

the securing strip is designed for elastic bending out of its main plane, in order to further increase the engagement surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic bending: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1988614B1Box for electric wirings provided with clamping provision
Publication Date: 2011.06.22 ABB BV
  • EP1988614B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1988614B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1988614B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Box for electric wirings, particularly a distribution junction box, having a circumferential wall defining a cavity for electric connections that is provided with a centre line, having a lower opening giving access to the cavity, and at least one elongated securing strip arranged on the circumferential wall and projecting outward therefrom, wherein the securing strip at the side of the circumferential wall has an elongated base with which the securing strip merges into the circumferential wall, wherein the elongated base extends with a directional component in circumferential direction of the box and with a directional component in axial direction of the box.